How to Apply for a Visitor's Visa to the United States
A United States tourist visa allows foreign nationals to travel freely about the country for a limited stay. It is one of the most challenging visas to obtain, without guarantee that every applicant will receive one. Filing for an American visa can take up to several weeks depending on your completion of the paperwork, your status in relation to the United States, and the type of visa you're applying for. Fortunately, there are many resources abroad for obtaining a U.S. visa through the same standard process.
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Things You'll Need
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156
- Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-157 (if applicable)
Instructions
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Determine whether you require a visa to enter the United States by visiting the Visa Waiver Program website (see Resources). Your country may be one of the 35 that is eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, exempting you from a visitor's visa. Otherwise, contact the U.S. Consulate office in your jurisdiction to begin the application process.
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Schedule a mandatory interview with the consular to begin the visa application process. Applicants under 13 years of age and over the age of 80 do not require an interview.
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Provide biometric data during the interview by submitting to an ink-free digital fingerprint scan.
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Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Form DS-156 at the office or download the e-Form beforehand to save time (see Resources). Male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 must also complete the Supplemental Nonimmigrant Form DS-157. Individual circumstances may also require you to furnish other documentation to support the purpose of your trip.
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Present a valid passport with remaining validity of at least six months from the time of your intended stay in the United States. Also provide a 2-by-2 inch passport photo that meets the Nonimmigrant Photograph Requirements (see Resources).
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Submit your complete application and visa materials at the Consulate office and inquire about any applicable visa fees. These will vary depending on your local currency and the type of visa you've applied for.
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